Libyans divided over Gaddafi burial

2011-10-23 59

In death as in life, one man still dominates Libyan headlines.
Two days after his killing in Sirte, the issue of where and how Muammar Gaddafi should be buried is proving tricky.
Gaddafi's clan and family have asked for his body to be buried according to Islamic custom but, for the moment, his corpse remains on display in a meat cooler in Misrata.
Not everyone seems concerned by this.
(SOUNDBITE)(Arabic) LIBYAN WOMAN HAMIDA AL-MAKTUF SAYING:
"God willing may they bury him in hell. He and his family. May they be buried in hell. God willing."
(SOUNDBITE)(English) LIBYAN TEACHER SOUAD HAMZA SAYING:
"I don't like to put it where the family want it. So any place. Any place put it."
Although others are supporting the call.
(SOUNDBITE)(English) MEMBER OF LOCAL COUNCIL, SAADAT AL-BADRI, SAYING:
"Of course we will bury it by Islamic Sharia, as any Muslim and this is a respect to any human being."
Many are still celebrating the fact that he is gone.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) LIBYAN BOY MUHANAD AL-BISH
"I am very happy because Gaddafi is going. Forever, Gaddafi is gone forever. I am so happy."
Under Islamic teachings, the highest honour to be bestowed on the dead is to give the deceased a swift burial.
Sunita Rappai, Reuters